Booo!
 

I love SW and the open seating. Because we fly to and from Orlando, we almost always could get an exit row seat, even if we were group B, because there were so many kids on the flight who aren’t allowed in those rows. I’ll miss that - now it’s just like any other airline except for 2 free bags. If they get rid of that, I’m gone!

Southwest and Spirit are the Carnival of airlines. Let’s simply and make boarding stress free on all airlines. All passengers have assigned seats. All get 1 free checked bag up to 50 lbs each. Then charge extremely high prices for any overhead bag storage in order to incentivize checking bags and recouping any lost revenue. If you board first due to needing assistance or extra time, you deplane last in order to not hold up 200 other people. Just watch how much calmer airports become and how important the new ratings for carousel baggage delivery become.

I'm no businessperson (thankfully I have a wife who knows her way around a dollar bill) but I've flown a lot. I remember, back in the 70s and 80s, when airlines treated their customers as if they actually valued them. Today? Well, some of those airline and airport personnel should be issued cattle prods for the way they treat people. Unless you fly 1st class you're nothing; a mere number to get shoehorned into an ever-narrowing seat. If you're lucky you might get a free soft drink and a bag of peanuts tossed your way (actually had that happen once) but those days when customers were treated as if they really mattered seem gone forever.

Or are they?

I've thought for a long time now that if airlines offered specific flights that were ALL "business class" or something similar, with services and space to match, they'd make more money on that flight than on any of the others. Not all--just specific ones. Say, an 11:00 AM departure from MSP nonstop to Atlanta, or Orlando, or wherever. Spacious seating--maybe 75% of the seats they have on their regular packed flights. Free airport lounge privileges for all passengers booked on that flight. Lunch enroute (actual hot food, not a bag of whatevers or a package of "lunchables"). First bag checked for free plus one free carry-on. Flight attendants who made sure you knew your comfort was their primary concern. Free beverage service the entire way.

Charge maybe $100-$150 more per ticket than on the sardine-can flights.

I think people would jump at the chance. I know I would. That extra $100 or so to be treated like a human being instead of like cattle on a drive seems well worth it.

Fake wheelchairs
 

I agree with the fake wheelchairs. After many years I finally took my wife's advice and applied for wheelchair assistance. I was very self conscious about it at first.
Anyway, I was on a flight and often times I would let the majority of the plane deboard before I limped down the aisle holding up other passengers. At the jetway there were about 4 or 5 wheelchairs waiting. One was for me and the flight attendant said "He's (me) the last. The miracle of flight has struck again!" Meaning the others hobbled on and dashed off like an athlete!

If the wheel chair people get off the plane last they may change their minds about needing to board first 😳

I agree. I can afford to fly first class, but the cost difference between first class and coach is so significant that I cannot justify it. I wouldn't mind paying an extra $100-$200, but their price for first class is ridiculously high.

They could never make enough money to do that and it’s not like flights aren’t selling. First class tickets (that always sell out) are usually more than triple the price of coach, (which also sells out on most flights) and the stand by list will fill any empty seat. Wouldn’t we all like to only pay 100 more for first class and less people.

Yep. Seen it. I usually don't fly Southwest. But when I do, I pay to be in the 'A' group. I get on before the 'miracle cures'.

I doubt many airlines can afford planes that are configured for just a few routes. Planes get used all day long on all sorts of routes and the configuration of 1st class, premium economy, and regular economy most likely reflects the best layout for an average flight. There are a few exceptions. For example, Singapore Airlines runs a 19 hour non-stop between NY and Singapore that uses a specific layout of A350s with a fair amount of premium seats. They run the flight once or twice a day with a fair amount of business travelers between those two major financial centers. Airlines are always looking for ways to make money and I doubt they leave any rocks unturned.

The whole kid thing on flights to/from the mouse house is the only thing I liked about the Southwest seating policy. An early group B boarding number was the best, better than boarding in group A. Between groups A and B all the families with kids boarded, so with an early group B number you could still find a decent seat, away from a bunch of seat kicking and screaming kids. With assigned seats, you have no control over the kid factor. I wish picking airline seats didn’t just show if seats are open or already selected, but also indicated both the age and weight of the occupants.

Nada
 

I like early bird - my guess unless you buy REAL early the sets you want will be gone but they would have been there with early bird

While you are at it, add body odor.:)

I carry a pack of "Old Skunky" wet wipes for just such an occasion. And I always share with my seat mates.

Always carry a mask and make sure you have plenty of body odor to keep the "touchy, feelly" folks off you.

On a long flight the wheelchair people better think about drinking on board. It's hard enough to get to the bathroom without needing a wheelchair. 👨*🦽
Thats what you are alluding to, right?